Small business owners are often looking for a way to promote their business for a limited price tag. One way that some business owners accomplish this goal is to join their local chamber of commerce. Being a member of a chamber of commerce can indicate that you are an ethical professional who is committed to your community.
One study made the finding that 63 percent of customers prefer to conduct business with members of the chamber of commerce. In exchange for this positive publicity and affiliation, chamber members pay dues and publicize their membership status on websites and buildings. However, there are other ways that business owners can get the most out of their membership and dues. These strategies can help make customers more aware of the business and potentially lead to increased sales.
Request to be on the Chamber Site
Some chambers of commerce permit members to be added to their own site for a small fee or even for free. Placing a new business on the chamber’s site means that when a community member goes to the chamber site, he or she will see your business logo. This can be particularly helpful when the chamber website is getting more visits than your new business website.
Don’t Shy Away from Media
The chamber of commerce will publish news about the activities of various members. By having news of your own, the chamber may run with the story on its website, in a newsletter or in an email to other members. Let the chamber know about new events in your business to take full advantage of this feature.
Write
Another benefit of having a membership with your local chamber of commerce is being able to connect with other professionals. Write articles about relevant topics that other professionals will appreciate. Your local chamber may include these articles on their site, newsletter or social media channels. The perspective should be as an expert in the field, rather than as a salesperson. Include contact information within the article so that individuals who want to seek you out for advice can. This contact may later become a sales lead.
Give a Presentation
Let other members know about your business by giving a presentation. This may take the form of a short commercial or a longer presentation in which you provide more background about your business or a solution that you offer. Another option is to volunteer to serve on a panel for seminars.
Have Events
Include chamber networking events to your repertoire to attract individuals to your office or other space that you reserve for an after-hours chamber event. While the timing of the event may get you out of a strictly business environment, you can make strong connections that can serve you well in the future. Additionally, the chamber may recognize companies that have hosted such networking activities for the chamber.